Read Online Miriam's Secret by Jerry S. Eicher - Free Book Online Page B

couldn’t feel anything. Would she travel through the rest of her life feeling this numb? Slowly, though, she felt a new sensation—one of deep apprehension. With this much money her life would never be the same. She knew what awful things money did to people. Wasn’t that what Daett always warned about? Would she grow proud now? Full of herself? Trusting in great riches and forgetting all about depending on the Lord for His provision and grace?
    Miriam climbed into Rose’s car, fastened her seat belt, and then clutched the armrest. Rose gave her a sympathetic look as they pulled away. “I’m sorry, dear, that this is such a shock. But I think my brother knew what he was doing. He always was a good judge of character. Look at the saint of a wife he picked out. The Lord knows she did him good all the days of her life.” Rose paused for a quick glance toward the sky. “Now they’re together again, and he’s left his farm and his money in good hands.”
    â€œMaybe I should just give it all away.” Miriam’s words came out in a croak. “Maybe I should go somewhere else so people won’t gossip about this situation.”
    â€œThat is, of course, your choice.” Rose didn’t appear pleased. “I wouldn’t, if you ask my opinion. My brother gave you that money and farm for a reason.”
    â€œBut I know nothing about managing money and very little about running a large farm!” she shrieked. The sound pierced the air in the closed car.
    Rose didn’t appear shocked. “I’ll help you, and so will Mr. Rosenberg. He’s one of the best attorneys in the area. My brother picked him carefully, I can assure you of that. Mr. Rosenberg won’t steal your money.”
    â€œSteal?” Miriam clutched her hands together. Such a thought hadn’t crossed her mind. She’d never owned anything that anyone might want to steal. But now…Miriam pinched herself, and pain ran all the way up her arm. Nee , this was not a dream.
    â€œI know this must be hard,” Rose said. “And, yes, some people will misunderstand. Your godly character will win out, Miriam. Just keep a low profile, and someday you’ll find the reasons for what happened today. You’re a rich woman now. You shouldn’t try to avoid your destiny, Miriam. God will help you, I’m sure.”
    Miriam took deep breaths. Then the words came out. “Do I own Mr. Bland’s farm? Really? And all that money?”
    â€œYes.” Rose took her eyes off the road for a brief glance at Miriam. “Do you want to wait a while yet before you have to face your parents?”
    â€œNo.” Miriam studied the landscape outside the car window. “But I don’t want them to know quite yet..”
    â€œI don’t think that’s realistic, dear.” Rose’s voice was kind. “Shall I come in and help you explain it to them?”
    Miriam’s head spun. Maybe that would help. It might make better sense to Mamm and Daett if Rose explained. And they had to be told. Rose was right. She couldn’t hide or delay this news.
    Miriam turned toward Rose. “Yes, I’d like that. But let’s only tell them about the farm for now. Daett will know what needs to be done with that. Don’t tell them about the money beyond the fact that some operating expense funds are included. I’ll say something later…someday about the total amount.” Miriam tried to think straight. “Maybe by then I’ll know why this has happened and what to do.”
    â€œWhatever you say, dear.” Rose reached over to touch her arm. “I know all of this is so sudden. Give yourself some time to adjust. Think things through, and you’ll be okay. And I’ll help smooth things over with your parents.”
    That’s much easier to say than do , Miriam almost said, but that would be rude. Rose had been more than kind to her. The